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If you thought your comb was dirty, wait until you take a close look at your hairbrush. Hairbrushes are magnets for dead skin cells, hair product buildup, dust, and natural oils. Using a dirty brush on clean hair is basically like putting on dirty socks after a shower.
Here is how to deep clean your hairbrushes to keep your mane healthy and shiny.
Why Hairbrush Hygiene Matters
Every time you brush, you’re transferring old scalp oils and dust back onto your hair. This can lead to:
- Greasy Hair: Your hair looks oily faster because of the residue on the brush.
- Scalp Issues: Product buildup on bristles can irritate the scalp.
- Product Efficiency: Your styling products work better when your tools are clean.
How to Clean Different Types of Hairbrushes
Not all brushes are created equal. You have to treat your expensive boar bristle brush differently from a cheap plastic one!
Step 1: Remove the Hair
Before you wash, you need to clear the field. Use a comb, a toothpick, or a specialized brush cleaning tool to lift the hair out of the bristles. If it’s really stuck, use a pair of scissors to snip the hair down the middle of the brush for easy removal.
Step 2: The Wash
For Plastic and Synthetic Brushes:
- The Soak: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of clarifying shampoo or dish soap.
- Scrub: Let the brush soak for 5-10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub around the base of the bristles to get that stubborn grey “lint” out.
- Rinse: Rinse under warm water.
For Wooden or Boar Bristle Brushes: Do NOT submerge these! Water can warp the wood and ruin the natural bristles.
- Dip and Swirl: Dip only the bristles into the soapy water, avoiding the wooden handle and the cushion (the squishy part).
- Gentle Scrub: Use your fingers or a toothbrush to clean the bristles.
- Quick Rinse: Rinse the bristles quickly under a tap, pointing them downward so water doesn’t get trapped in the cushion.
Step 3: Sanitize (Optional)
If you’ve had a scalp issue or just want an extra deep clean, you can mist the bristles with a bit of tea tree oil diluted in water or a quick spray of 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Step 4: Dry Properly
Shake out as much water as possible. Lay the brush face down on a clean towel. This allows any water trapped in the cushion or handle to drain out rather than sitting inside and causing mold.
The Ultimate Baking Soda Deep Clean for Hairbrushes
If you’ve noticed a stubborn, greyish film or sticky product residue on your bristles, a simple water rinse isn’t going to cut it—you need a deep-cleaning “hairbrush spa day.”
Instructions:
Start by removing as much loose hair as possible using a comb or a dedicated cleaning tool. Next, create a clarifying soak by mixing about two cups of warm water with one tablespoon of baking soda and a squirt of Dawn dish soap.
Submerge the bristles (and the pad, if it’s plastic) into the mixture, letting it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow the baking soda to break down the oils and skin cells.
For extra gunky brushes, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the base of the bristles and remove any loosened debris. Finally, rinse thoroughly under cool running water and lay the brush face down on a clean towel to air dry, ensuring no water stays trapped in the cushion.
This simple routine not only keeps your tools clean but also makes them look brand new.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?
- Remove Hair: After every use (or once a day).
- Deep Clean: Once every two weeks. If you use a lot of dry shampoo or hairspray, aim for once a week!
Shop hairbrushes:
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your loofah and your hairbrush only takes a few minutes a week, but your skin and hair will thank you for it! Whether you choose the bleach method for your sponge or the shampoo soak for your brush, consistency is key to a germ-free beauty routine.
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